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Command Dials Are Inconsistent on my D200.

command dials inconsistent d200

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7 replies to this topic

#1
Tony

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I have a Nikon D200 with a AFNikkor 18~70mm lens with approximately 95,000 actuations.  The unit really is in great condition with the exception of the command dials being inconsistent when trying to use.  The last three days I have been struggling with it and could not get them to make adjustments as needed.  This afternoon I tried again and they were working flawlessly until a few moments  ago.  I spoke with a technician at my local camera sales/service center and they quoted a price of approximately $200.00 including labor & parts.  They are not sure if they have parts on hand and if not, they will have to order them and that may take weeks from now.  When turning the dials, I can feel and hear the gears catching, so I do not believe there is a problem with oil causing slippage.  When shopping around for another unit, I found one on the Internet for $126.00 that is claimed to be in excellent condition and comes with a 180 day warranty and a 14 day no hassle return policy.  This seller is very reputable and I have done business with them in the past.

 

Many thanks for any helpful suggestions/solutions.

 

Regards,

 

Tony



#2
ScottinPollock

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There are no gears. The command dials have a round printed circuit board type assembly underneath them with a wiper that is dragged across the pads on the board. The contact between the two adjust the settings.

If they are oxidized, the required connection may be impaired.

If you don't want to send it in for repair, you might want to consider the following DIY repair procedure before replacing the camera:

1.) Turn it off

2.) Take the battery out and leave it overnight.

3.) Get an aerasol can of electrical contact cleaner, and spray it into the camera around the gaps of the command dial.

4.) Work the dial vigorously for a minute or two to work it into the contacts.

5.) Wait an hour or so for the contact cleaner to evaporate.

Now I don't know if the d200 is weather sealed or not (hopefully someone else can chime in regarding that), but if not, this has a reasonable chance for success.

#3
Tony

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There are no gears. The command dials have a round printed circuit board type assembly underneath them with a wiper that is dragged across the pads on the board. The contact between the two adjust the settings.

If they are oxidized, the required connection may be impaired.

If you don't want to send it in for repair, you might want to consider the following DIY repair procedure before replacing the camera:

1.) Turn it off

2.) Take the battery out and leave it overnight.

3.) Get an aerasol can of electrical contact cleaner, and spray it into the camera around the gaps of the command dial.

4.) Work the dial vigorously for a minute or two to work it into the contacts.

5.) Wait an hour or so for the contact cleaner to evaporate.

Now I don't know if the d200 is weather sealed or not (hopefully someone else can chime in regarding that), but if not, this has a reasonable chance for success.

Greetings,

Many thanks for the valuable information.  I will certainly add this procedure to my files.  Alright, here is my next revelation with the command dials on the D200.  I decided to take my eyeglass solution and spray it on a Qtip and cleaned the contacts both in the camera and the lens rear.  Initially, the dials worked very well, but again, only for a few seconds.  I started playing around with different ways of getting the dials to work and found one quite by accident.  After using a speedlight and taking a few shots, the command dials would not adjust the settings.  I had a revelation to press gently down on the shutter release button until the light went out in the rear screen after which I attempted to move the Command Dials and they moved without any problem.

 

I did this procedure for about 10 minutes to make sure that it was not just a fluke, and the Command Dials are still working as long I turn off the illuminated rear screen.  I do have a fully charged OEM Nikon Battery in the camera, so could this be a problem with a power drain?  Perhaps a loose connection on a circuit board or a short somewhere?  This unit certainly was not designed to function this way.

 

Again, many thanks for the assistance.

 

Tony



#4
ScottinPollock

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Quite possible, but it is probably a lot more complicated than a loose wire or short. These things are more computer than camera, with a lot of logic that routes and regulates voltage over multiple supply rails.

Could be corrosion around a single component that is in that loop, or an actual logic chip that has failed.

Diagnosing it would most likely cost more than the camera is worth.

#5
Tony

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Quite possible, but it is probably a lot more complicated than a loose wire or short. These things are more computer than camera, with a lot of logic that routes and regulates voltage over multiple supply rails.

Could be corrosion around a single component that is in that loop, or an actual logic chip that has failed.

Diagnosing it would most likely cost more than the camera is worth.

ScottinPollack I thank you wholeheartedly for your assistance.  We will see what turns up.  Tony



#6
Tony

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I believe that most of the fine folks on this Forum will find this new development very interesting.  I became frustrated with the issues regarding the command dials on my NIkon D200.  Again this camera has just over 95,000 actuations and I just decided to invest in another copy.  When I received the second D200 body, I wanted to see how many actuations were made.  The amount is just over 41,000, so I felt that I had made right choice.  However, when out shooting with D200 #2, the same problem reared its ugly head and at that point, I just through my hands up in the air and said as they say in Japanese, "The Hell With It." :)).  Now I have two bodies with identical problems.

 

Thnx for reading,

 

Tony



#7
Merco_61

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Are you sure that they aren't working exactly as they should? In the Image view mode, you can't change the shooting parameters for the next shot. You have to get the camera to Shooting mode by half-pressing the shutter. To avoid this, you can turn the automatic image view off. This will both conserve battery and make the camera more responsive. I think the setting for this is in the Playback menu.

 

If you feel the need to chimp your latest shot with the automatic review off, just hit the Playback button, it will show the last shot made.



#8
Tony

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You are correct Peter.  That explains why the command dials are unresponsive while in the Image Review Mode.  So what I believed to be a flaw, in actuality, they are designed to function just as you have stated.  Live and learn I guess.

 

Many thanks,

 

Tony







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